Western's STARS Innovative nominees for this year goes to....*drum roll

As mentioned in earlier posts, the STARS program consists of three major categories: Education and Research, Operations, and Planning, Administration, and Engagement. STARS also give recognition to institutions that have taken the initiative in finding solutions to sustainability challenges and demonstrating sustainability leadership. Initiatives that would otherwise not be captured within the report.

A total of four organizations at Western are nominated this year for the STARS innovation credit. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight two of the four for their efforts in working toward a sustainable society.

1. Bioindustrial Innovation Centre (http://www.bicsarnia.ca/aboutbic.html)

The Bioindustrial Innovation Centre (BIC) is located at Western's Sarnia-Lambton Research Park and is designed to bridge the gap between research and market in chemicals and energy production from biomass. BIC is also the first bio-based, specialized research and development facility in Ontario and Canada's first, shared pilot plants for gasification, pyrolysis, fermentation and bioremediation research.

The research currently being conducted at BIC include taking sustainable feedstock, such as agricultural by-products and wastes, and converting these renewable resources into energy and value-added chemicals for use in applications ranging from construction to automotive parts. This process will help maintain a closed loop system. This will hopefully help to address the push for fossil fuel alternatives and reduce our dependence on non-replenishable resources.

Locally, it is expected that BIC will be launching over 100 projects, start-up companies, and product lines, which will attract more than $1 billion in private sector investments and create upwards of 1000 research and engineering jobs. Internationally, BIC will help Canada become a global leader in post-renewable fuel applications and biochemical innovation - integrating the renewable and traditional petrochemical industries together.

2. Global and Ecosystem Health Interest Group (http://www.uwomeds.com/gehig/home.html)

The Global and Ecosystem Health Interest Group (GEHIG) is a group established by Schulich Medical Students at Western to promote a broad understanding of health that encompasses the sustainability of the socio-economic, political and biological ecosystems in which human communities are part of.

GEHIG's main projects include coordinating groups in Public Health, Aboriginal Health and Political Advocacy to bring high profile speakers, such as the Minister of Health. GEHIG works closely with the national global health programs to run workshops. Past themes included maternal health, AIDS awareness and sustainable agriculture and nutrition.

Other projects include:

- High school outreach

- Development of undergraduate medical curriculum resources

- Assistance to students involved in international projects

- Fundraising

- Mug program

- Composting program

Both the mug and composting program are student organized initiatives that have actively reduced the amount of waste produced by medical students. Through its awareness campaigns, there has also been an effect on behavior and habits of faculty, staff and other students.

I strongly encourage you to check out the links provided for both organizations to further explore their work and contribution towards sustainability!

Until next time,

Your friendly neighborhood EPC